Contour improvements in skin graft reconstruction of nasal defects.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe a one-stage technique for nasal skin defect reconstruction using an oxidised regenerated cellulose/collagen matrix (Promogran™) to enhance contour and graft survival.

METHODS

Following excision of a skin lesion, Promogran™ is cut to size, placed in the wound bed to restore contour and provide bulk, saturated with blood and covered with a full-thickness skin graft.

RESULTS

The technique improves cosmesis and enables graft survival over avascular structures, including exposed bone and cartilage. Promogran™ exerts wound-healing effects such as matrix metalloprotease inhibition, regulation of growth factors and cytokines, free-radical scavenging and fibroblast proliferation.

CONCLUSION

This simple, one-stage approach offers an alternative to complex or multistage reconstruction for patients unsuitable for, or preferring to avoid, more invasive procedures.